Quick Answers to Help You Plan Your Stay

Below are the most commonly asked questions by our guests. If you have additional inquiries, please feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help.

Planning Your Visit

  • Planning your visit? Here are answers to common questions and our suggested packing list to make your stay easy, light, and relaxed.

    CAMERAS & BINOCULARS
    Bring them! Guanico is a dream for photographers and nature lovers. Whether you're capturing waves, wildlife, or sunsets, a camera or binoculars will serve you well. Don’t forget your chargers, cables, and extra batteries—we have a power strip in the reception area specifically for charging devices.

    WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
    Think casual, comfortable, and quick-dry. Light breathable fabrics, rash guards, board shorts, and loose cotton clothing work well. Leave your formalwear at home—this is barefoot luxury.

    WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
    Expect warm, tropical temperatures year-round. Dry season (Dec–Apr) is sunny and breezy. Wet season (May–Nov) is greener and a little more humid, with passing showers. Evenings are often breezy and pleasant.

    WHAT ABOUT BUGS?
    We’re in the tropics, so yes—there will be insects, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Bring reef-safe bug repellent and consider lightweight long sleeves for dawn and dusk.

    SHOULD I PACK A LOT?
    No need. We encourage guests to pack light. You’ll mostly live in swimwear, relaxed day clothes, and sandals. We offer laundry service if needed, and most essentials are available in our surf shop.

    Suggested Packing List

    ·       Swimsuits (at least 2)

    ·       Rash guard or surf shirt

    ·       Lightweight quick-dry clothing

    ·       Flip flops/sandals

    ·       Hat for sun protection

    ·       Sunglasses (polarized ideal)

    ·       Reef-safe sunscreen

    ·       Bug repellent

    ·       Toiletries (eco-friendly preferred)

    ·       Reusable water bottle

    ·       Travel towel or sarong

    ·       Camera/binoculars with chargers

    ·       Light long-sleeve shirt and pants (for bugs)

    ·       Books, journal, or your favorite down-time item

    ·       Dry bag (optional for outings)

    ·       Yoga mat (optional – we have some on site)

    Remember: Less is more in paradise. We’ve got the rest covered.

  • You’ll fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.

  • Customs is straightforward. Just ensure your passport is valid for 6 months. Most travelers receive a 90-day visa on arrival.

  • Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance that covers non-refundable deposits and trip cancellations.

  • Depending on your point of origin, some visitors choose to spend a night in Panama City before heading to the resort in the morning. This allows for a fresh morning start leading to a relaxing drive and an arrival at the resort in time to enjoy a relaxing beverage before dinner.

    Also delays happen so giving yourself a travel buffer ensures you don't miss any time here at our amazing beach.

  • Please see the “Find Us” section of this website for detailed information on how to get here from various locations with directions for driving by car as well as our recommended shuttle and hired car alternatives.

  • If you love surfing, nature, culture, or simply escaping to a slower pace of life, this is the place for you. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, Guanico offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.

  • Tropical and warm year-round. Expect sunshine with a side of sea breeze in the dry season and a lush and verdant experience during the wetter months.

  • That depends! Dry season (December to April) offers sunny skies and consistent offshore winds. The wet season (May to November) brings lush landscapes and larger swells. There's no bad time—just different flavors of paradise.

  • We invite you to stay as long as you like! With that in mind, most guests stay 5–8 days to fully unwind, surf, and explore the area.

  • Yes! We're open nearly year-round.

Surfing and SUP*

  • Absolutely! We have one of the only Premier Demo Board programs available anywhere. Check out the program here and consider reserving a premium board or boards for your visit.

  • Guanico is one of Panama’s best-kept surf secrets—uncrowded, consistent, and beautifully wild. The beach break right out front is ideal for most of the year, but for those chasing the sweet spot, here’s what you need to know:

  • May to October is prime surf season, when southern swells roll in strong and steady. You’ll find more size, power, and playful conditions—perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers.

    November to April offers gentler swells and smaller waves, making it a great time for beginners or anyone looking to sharpen their skills in a mellow lineup.

  • The main sandbar break right in front of the resort is our daily go-to—versatile, forgiving, and just steps from your room.

    On bigger days, you’ll notice more definition toward the southern end, where the beach curves and the wave holds up longer.

    During high tide, paddling out is easier; at low tide, the wave can get punchier—great for shortboards.

  • No crowds. No chaos. Just you, the Pacific, and a wave that feels like it waited just for you. Whether you're chasing barrels or learning to pop up, Guanico delivers. Every day is a little different—and that's what makes it magic.

  • Yes! We have expert surf instructors who love to work with beginners, people who surf but want to improve their technique and experts who want to learn something a bit “extra” from someone who surfs this beach all the time.

    If you would like to book a private or group lesson, please let the manager know once you’ve booked the dates for your visit.

  • Yes. Our surf breaks are beginner and intermediate-friendly, and our instructors prioritize safety, however, when the surf is particularly large, we recommend that beginners avoid the waves.

  • Surfboards, SUP boards and some snorkeling gear are available free of charge to guests on a first-come-first-serve basis.

    We can reserve some equipment when requested beforehand. Please contact the front desk before your arrival if you wish to have specific gear available during your visit.

    We also offer basic surf essentials in our shop.

  • Absolutely! Many guests bring their own boards, yoga mats, or snorkeling equipment.

    There is unsecured storage in the common area for surf and SUP boards (which is patrolled 24 hours per day) and/or there is space in all rooms for boards and gear.

  • Yes! We partner with an acclaimed local photographer who specializes in surfing photography, and we offer photography packages for surfing, special events, group celebrations and more. Just contact us before you arrive to find out more about booking a session or two.

About the Resort

  • Yes! We partner with an acclaimed local photographer, and we offer photography packages for surfing, special events, group celebrations and more. Just contact us before you arrive to find out more about booking a session or two.

  • The standard rate covers accommodations and surfboard rental, access to all communal areas including our pool, the cold plunge, veranda, and jungle lounge.

  • Breakfast lunch and dinner, additional excursions including horseback riding, fishing or site-seeing boat rentals, massages, alcohol, and shop items.

  • We accept cash (USD), credit cards, and PayPal.

  • Tipping is appreciated and shared among staff. We suggest 10–15% of your total extras, or whatever feels right for you.

  • We have first aid supplies on-site and are connected to nearby clinics in Tonosí and Las Tablas. Evacuation to Panama City is available in serious cases.

  • We host individuals, couples, and groups all year and with 13 double occupancy rooms and 2 apartments, we can accommodate large groups with every amenity that we provide for individuals and couples with the added advantage of large group activities that will please all participants.

  • The water used for bathing is not recommended to drink, however we offer a wide range of beverages for purchase, including bottled water, soda, beer, wine, cocktails as well as smoothies, and fresh juices.

  • Occasionally, however we have backup power to keep the essentials running.

    Lighting outside the hotel grounds is not sparse after dark, so we recommend visitors bring headlamps if they would like to walk to the beach after sunset.

  • Yes, strong enough for emails and light browsing in the common area. We encourage guests to disconnect where possible.

  • Yes, laundry service is available for a small fee.

  • For a complete list of our booking policies click here.

Activities - Other than Surfing*

  • On-site, in our open-air wellness space. Book in advance.

  • Yes! Many of our guests enjoy doing yoga by themselves or in groups in our shaded outdoor common area.

    Please let the manager know when you’ve booked your dates if you would like to hire a local yoga instructor for a group class.

  • Yes! Hike to a nearby monkey sanctuary, birdwatch, beachcomb, or explore the nearby mangroves.

  • Yes! There is a local rancher who makes his personal horses available to guests who would like to enjoy a relaxing ride down the beach. Please contact the manager when you know the dates of your visit if you would like to reserve a horseback ride for yourself or your group.

  • Absolutely! We have bicycles of different sizes so the whole family can ride and they’re available free of charge to all our guests. Just ask the front desk when you check in about reserving them during your visit.

  • Lounge by the pool, book a massage, stroll the beach, visit local villages, or simply nap in a hammock.

  • When the waves are mellow the beach is very good for swimming and body surfing, however, we recommend guests bring flip-flops or water shoes to make navigating the black stone beach a bit more fun.

  • Yes but bring your own gear. Some restrictions may apply—ask us for details.

  • If you're into fishing, the nearby waters offer snapper, roosterfish, tuna, and more.

  • When fishing, both live and artificial bait can be used. Fishing guides and boat captains will advise.

  • There are local fisherman who look forward to taking guests to some of their best kept secret spots for a day of fishing.

    Please inquire with the manager when you know the dates of your stay regarding what fish are in season and to reserve a boat for a particular time.

    When requested we can also arrange with the kitchen to prepare a special meal using your catch of the day.

  • If you plan to fish or take a boat trip, consider bringing motion sickness medication.

  • Yes! We partner with an acclaimed local photographer and videographer and we offer photography packages for surfing, special events, group celebrations and more. Just contact us before you arrive to find out more about booking a session or two.

*Note: All activities (not including demo surf boards which are free to all guests during their stay), that require guides, instructors, horseback riding or boat rentals are available for an additional per person charge. Inquire with the front desk about costs and reservations.

Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll get back to you shortly. 

Welcome to paradise.

The Guanico Beach Resort Team